The Lexus GS started as a midsize sedan penned by famed Italian car designer Giorgetto Guigiaro who fashioned cars like the BMW M1, Lotus Esprit and VW Golf. Now moving into its fourth generation, the 2013 GS is getting a major facelift. For the last two generations, the GS has used split headlights, reminiscent of the Mercedes E-class, it now has integrated headlights with an LED strip running along the bottom.

The biggest news for the 2013 GS 350 is the change in styling. First, it uses what Lexus says will be its new corporate styling. Subtly inspired by the LF-A, the front end is aggressive with the front grill coming to a point at its top and flaring out into a waterfall-style opening. Styling in general is much more angular with sharper lines and a generally more focused appearance. The rear of the car also gets a major upgrade with trapezoidal taillights and integrated, dual exhausts.

The chassis has been stiffened and gets an entirely new rear suspension. The car's track has been widened to 72.4in, an increase of almost an inch, but the wheelbase and overall length remain basically the same. This should lower the car's center of gravity and improve handling. The car gets an entirely new rear sub-frame to accommodate the new multi-link rear suspension.

The interior of the new GS gets a much more modern treatment. The central speedometer with smaller tachometer is gone in favor of a more driver-focused equal size setup. Most of the interior controls are displayed on a high-mounted, horizontal information screen, which is controlled by a system Lexus called Remote Touch. The centrally mounted control allows drivers to use all of these functions without taking their eyes off the road. For convenience the door opening have been altered to make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle, and the trunk has been enlarged by 25%. The GS will also be available with an optional navigation system with a high-definition 12.3in screen.

To improve economy, Lexus is also using a system called S-Flow that detects where passengers in the vehicle are sitting and directs the climate control only toward them.

Lexus is part of the Japanese group Toyota Motor Corporation. However, Lexus cars were first debuted in the United States in 1989 and were only released in Japan in 2005. Still, Lexus was the first Japanese carmaker to sell a luxury car in its home country.
It all started with a secret meeting in 1983. Toyota Chairman, Eiji Toyoda, concluded it was time to take a chance on luxury cars and summed up a top-level and to... more